Why do two people with the same injury have completely different pain journeys - and what does a zip code have to do with it?

Today we dig into the often-overlooked social side of persistent pain: the way income, work conditions, food access, relationships, and even cultural expectations can ramp pain up or help dial it down.

Dr. Megan and Holly explore how:

Socioeconomic status and access to care change the way pain shows up and sticks around
Food deserts, chronic stress, and unstable housing contribute to inflammation and nervous system sensitization
Social support, community, and a sense of belonging act as real “medicine” for the brain
Work satisfaction, toxic bosses, and job insecurity influence chronic low back pain and recovery
Simple practices - like visualization, “spoon” or gas-tank metaphors, and clearer communication with friends, partners, and coworkers - can make it easier to live your life while living with pain

You’ll come away with language to explain your limits to others, new ways to think about your own pain story, and practical, low-cost tools for building more safety, connection, and support into your everyday life

Links to interesting things from this episode: